Der Sport (Sports) 25-36 1942 - 1946

Robert Frank made this work, titled *Der Sport*, using gelatin silver prints. The photographs in this series capture a range of sporting activities, from ice hockey to swimming and sailing. The prints are small, arranged in a grid-like composition, almost like a contact sheet – a reference tool used by photographers to review their work. But here, they become the finished artwork, mounted onto a larger sheet. Frank's method feels immediate, like a visual diary. The grainy texture and stark contrast, inherent to black and white photography, lend an air of spontaneity to the scenes. This aesthetic was a deliberate challenge to the slick, commercial photography dominating the media at the time. Frank turned away from perfection, embracing the raw reality of everyday life, with all its imperfections. Ultimately, this work encourages us to look beyond the surface of the image and consider the artist's process and intent. It's a reminder that the choices made in the making process are just as important as the subject matter itself.